NZ vs AUS 2025: New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd T20I Match Preview

Published - 02 Oct 2025, 15:49 IST | Updated - 02 Oct 2025, 15:50 IST

The second T20I of the ongoing three-match series between New Zealand and Australia will be played at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday, October 3. The Kiwis will aim on getting on level terms after a comprehensive defeated in the series-opening clash at the same venue.

Tim Robinson cracked through to a maiden T20I ton in the first game. However, his unbeaten 106 off 66 went in vain as New Zealand could manage only 181/6 on the board, which did not prove enough. Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa were particularly impressive with the ball.

Out to chase, an explosive start from Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh meant the hosts were on the back foot quite early on. The skipper holed out in the deep afer a power-packed 85 off 43 to miss out on a well-deserved ton while Head, Matthew Short and Tim David made small but useful contributions to take Australia to the winning line with six wickets and a whopping 21 balls to spare. Marsh earned the Player of the Match accolade for his blistering innings.

Marsh's blazing 85-run knock provides 0-1 lead to Australia

Going by how the first T20I panned out, the pitch seems to be a belter once the batters get set themselves in. There is a possibility of rain as per the weather forecast, which means chasing will be the preferred option for the captain winning the toss.

Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Tim David, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood